Burgundy-based shades, like berry-red and merlot are going to be everywhere for summer. Although adding a slick of wine-red nail polish is an obvious start, you owe it to yourself to try a berry lipstick before the silly season is out.

If you're wary, the best time to road test a daring new beauty look such as a plum lip is always at night. There's something about the soft lighting that seems to make even the most challenging beauty trend seem less intimidating.

SHARE THE LOVE

Remembering to mix makeup textures is key to keeping dark shades of lippy looking fresh and modern. If you're opting for a matte lipstick adding a hint of highlighter along the cheeks, bridge of the nose and the brow bone works a treat at bouncing light off the skin to stop the colour from looking too dark or gothic. On the flip side, if you're wearing a glossy product on the pout, try dusting a translucent powder along the t-zone to keep unwanted shine at bay.

TRY: L'Oreal Lumi Magique Highlighter Pen, $30.99.

LESS IS ALWAYS MORE

Although jewel-toned nail polishes, like amethyst, emerald green and sapphire blue, were made for flattering burgundy lips, it's best to keep the rest of your makeup, such as the cheeks and eyes, simple. For the same old-Hollywood feel as Scarlett Johansson's, stick with a clean sweep of black eye liner followed by a coat or two of mascara. Then, as you head into the evening, try blending a gold shadow across the eyelid and up to the brow bone before smudging any excess along the bottom lash line.

If you're new to bold lipstick, it's best to invest in a glossy formula. That way, you can take baby steps applying the product with your ring finger for a just-bitten-looking stain. Then once you're feeling comfortable with the colour, you can give a regular lippie the matte treatment simply by dusting a loose powder over the top.

TRY: Napoleon Perdis Nude Rose lip gloss, $34 (available exclusively from Farmers). This is a very flattering shade - rich, but not too bold and super-shiny without being sticky. Wear alone or over lipstick for a dramatic look.